“Liquid Melancholy,” an album by the Arkansas Tech University Symphonic Wind Ensemble from record label Tonsehen, is now available for streaming.
It is the fourth album released by the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble since 2021. The previous three — “Syler | Magnuson” from 2021, “Influences and Expressions” from 2023 and “Copley | Respighi” from earlier this year — as well as “Liquid Melancholy” are available on Amazon, Apple Music and Spotify.
“Liquid Melancholy” is on YouTube at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n4uceV1ipB4rGPS5co3KbBHuom8-Dfy5Y&si=w7e-bV-Ztm2HA6EP.
The new album’s title track was composed by James Stephenson. The recording features guest soloist Julian Bliss, an internationally-renowned clarinetist, concerto soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, jazz artist and masterclass leader.
“It is not hyperbole to say that Julian Bliss is among the most recognized and celebrated clarinet soloists in the world,” said Dr. Daniel A. Belongia, ATU director of bands and professor of music.
The second half of the album features Stephenson’s “Lonesome Valley Folk Suite.”
“Liquid Melancholy” was recorded at Witherspoon Auditorium during the weekend of April 22-23, 2023.
“This is all made possible by dedicated alumni, former professors and friends of the ATU music program who have generously supported our goal of collaborating our students with the best performers, composers and repertoire available,” said Belongia. “Benefactors such as Prissy and Roger Wattam, Professor Emeritus Dr. Gary Barrow, Professor Emeritus Hal Cooper, the Loretz family, Hal Cooper Jr. of Cooper Music Inc. and everyone who has contributed to the Robert and Frankie Casey Guest Artist Series share our commitment to building upon Arkansas Tech’s well-established foundation for musical excellence. We are indescribably grateful to everyone who supports our students in that endeavor.”
Belongia serves as conductor for the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Members of the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble who played on “Liquid Melancholy” are listed below:
Flutes/Piccolos
Diana Nava of Russellville
Olivia Hopkins of Arlington, Texas
Valeria Cordero of Pottsville
Hannah Smith of Greenbrier
Alex Perez of Clarksville
Oboe/English Horn
Grace Davis of Cabot
Kelton McGhee of Morrilton
Marybeth Boroughs of Russellville
Bassoons
Rhett Neagles of Russellville
Logan Anderson of Rogers
Contrabassoon
Logan Anderson of Rogers
Bb Clarinets
Tess Butler of Lake Hamilton
Jacob Stover of Mount Ida
Corrigan Burkett of Springdale
Morgan Bates of Cabot
Mackenzie Murphy of Bryant
Cadence Graves of Greenwood
Rebecca Davis of Cabot
Savannah Skaggs of Greenwood
Bass Clarinet
Kaitlyn Rebidue of Cabot
Corrigan Burkett of Springdale
Saxophones
Mya Manes of Morrilton
Mady Johnson of Dardanelle
Matthew Shirey of Pearcy
Elizabeth Barrett of Midlothian, Texas
Ethan Buggar of Benton
Dylan Owen of Lavaca
Horns
Aaron Mack of Van Buren
Brad Wills of Dardanelle
Zoe Covey-Smith of Cabot
Luke Walker of Fort Worth, Texas
Hannah Lomax of Russellville
Jacob Skaggs of Gentry
Bb/C Trumpets
Sanders Hilburn of Cabot
Jake Hodges of Russellville
Kris Campbell of Alma
Drake Hyche of Cabot
Kendall Pomeroy of Siloam Springs
Hayden Judy of Harrison
Preston Abbott of Russellville
Trombones
Brendan Frazier of Denison, Texas
Gunner Hodges of Harrison
Dawson Schalk of Dover
Bass Trombones
Carter Johnson of Russellville
Blake Mitchell of Cabot
Euphoniums
Brandon Williams of Russellville
Preston Keeter of Springdale
Tubas
Sean Perdue of Cabot
Bennett Ashlock of Clarksville
Lorenzo Castelano of Dardanelle
Percussion
Allison Spears of Van Buren
Marlon King of Pangburn
Nathan Brady of Cabot
Riley Carpenter of Dover
Brandon Reynolds of Cabot
Jessie Hernandez of Berryville
Caleb Hopkins of Fort Smith
Alex Louden of Sherwood
Hunter Huffman of Atkins
String Bass
Tandem Young of Dover
Piano
Noah Pifer of Cabot
Harp
Lorelei Barton of Tulsa, Okla.
Production staff for “Liquid Melancholy” included Dr. TJ Perry, Dr. Jon Nash, Dr. Phoebe Robertson, Dr. Nicolas del Grazia (producers), Christian Amonson (recording engineer, producer and mixer), Lara Mitofsky Neuss (editor) and Ken Wiele (album cover artist).
Learn more about “Liquid Melancholy” and access links to listen to the album at www.tonsehen.com/collections/atu-symphonic-wind-ensemble/products/liquid-melancholy.
